Police say a molotov cocktail attack early yesterday on the residence of Chitpas Bhirombhakdi, a core leader of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protest group, was likely politically motivated.
The front section of a van belonging to the Bhirombhakdi family bears a burn mark followinganattackon the familyhomein SoiRamkhamhaeng 12 early yesterday. The van is used to transport Chitpas Bhirombhakdi, acore leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee protest group, to the rally sites. Police believe the petrolbombattack waspolitically motivated. KOSOL NAKACHOL
Four petrol bombs were hurled into the former deputy Democrat Party spokeswoman's family home on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 12 in Bang Kapi district. No one was injured.
Eyewitnesses told police four suspects on two motorcycles stopped in front of the house around 3am yesterday before hurling the petrol bombs into the compound.
The bombs landed on the bonnet of a van which usually transported Ms Chitpas to the anti-government rallies, said Hua Mak police station's investigations chief Hasadin Nopawong na Ayutthaya.
It took a security guard at the house about 15 minutes to put out the fire, which significantly damaged the van.
Ms Chitpas regularly takes part in the PDRC rallies and often takes the stage to address protesters, Pol Lt Col Hasadin said.
Ms Chitpas said on her Facebook page she would continue her role in the anti-government protest despite the attack on her house. "I'd like to perform my duty as best I can as a Thai who wants to see positive change for this country," she said.
The attackers were captured on security camera, making it easier for police to track them, said Pol Gen Jarumporn Suramanee, adviser to the Royal Thai Police Office, who attended the crime scene.
Deputy city police chief Thitirach Nonghanpithak said the attack appeared to be intended as a threat rather than an attempt to hurt or kill.
Meanwhile, a letter signed by family patriarch Santi Bhirombhakdi, managing director of Boon Rawd Brewery, warning that the political activities of Ms Chitpas could hurt the family's interests, has been widely circulated online.
The letter was addressed to Ms Chitpas' father Jutinan Bhirombhakdi.
In the letter, Mr Santi said he had talked to Mr Jutinan several times about how Ms Chitpas' role in politics could affect the firm and the Bhirombhakdi family.
There had been no response and now the company and the family had been dragged into involvement in politics, the letter said.